Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Mel Brooks | ... | Goddard Bolt | |
Lesley Ann Warren | ... | Molly | |
Jeffrey Tambor | ... | Vance Crasswell | |
Stuart Pankin | ... | Pritchard | |
Howard Morris | ... | Sailor | |
Rudy De Luca | ... | J. Paul Getty | |
Teddy Wilson | ... | Fumes | |
Michael Ensign | ... | Knowles | |
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Matthew Faison | ... | Stevens |
Billy Barty | ... | Willy | |
Brian Thompson | ... | Mean Victor | |
Raymond O'Connor | ... | Yo | |
Carmine Caridi | ... | Flophouse Owner | |
Sammy Shore | ... | Reverend at Wedding | |
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Frank Roman | ... | Spanish Interpreter |
Sticking to great comedy in a way no one else can, Mel Brooks plays a wealthy business man who finds himself getting suckered into a bet with a rival business over the worst slum area of L.A. They both want to develop on it and both own half. Mel agrees to living as a homeless person in this neighborhood. If he can make it 30 days without his wallet or anything else, then the rival will sign over his half of the property. It's full of visual gags, one liners and even some heart warming scenes. Mel's character learns a lot along the way. Written by Michelle Scaturro
This is easily the most underrated film inn the Brooks cannon. Sure, its flawed. It does not give a realistic view of homelessness (unlike, say, how Citizen Kane gave a realistic view of lounge singers, or Titanic gave a realistic view of Italians YOU IDIOTS). Many of the jokes fall flat. But still, this film is very lovable in a way many comedies are not, and to pull that off in a story about some of the most traditionally reviled members of society is truly impressive. Its not The Fisher King, but its not crap, either. My only complaint is that Brooks should have cast someone else in the lead (I love Mel as a Director and Writer, not so much as a lead).